John I'm Only Dancing
David Bowie Lyrics


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Well, Annie's pretty neat, she always eats her meat
Joe is awful strong, bet your life he's putting us on
Oh lordy, oh lordy, you know I need some loving
Oh move me, touch me

John, I'm only dancing
She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
She turns me on, don't get me wrong
I'm only dancing

Oh shadow love was quick and clean, life's a well-thumbed machine
I saw you watching from the stairs, you're everyone that ever cared
Oh lordy, oh lordy, you know I need some loving
Move me, touch me

John, I'm only dancing
She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
She turns me on, don't get me wrong
I'm only dancing

John, I'm only dancing
She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
She turns me on, don't get me wrong
I'm only dancing

Dancing




Won't someone dance with me?
Touch me, ohh

Overall Meaning

"John I'm Only Dancing" is a song by David Bowie that was recorded in September 1972 during the sessions for "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" but remained unreleased until April 1973. It was then released as a single in the UK and reached number 12 on the charts. The song is often interpreted as being about homosexuality and sexual freedom, which was a controversial topic at the time.


The opening lines of the song describe two characters, Annie and Joe, who are being introduced by the singer. Annie is described as a neat eater and Joe is said to be very strong, although the singer implies that he might be putting on a show. The chorus then kicks in, with the singer addressing someone called John and telling him that he's only dancing with a girl who is turning him on but doesn't get the wrong idea. The verses continue with abstract lyrics that mention "shadow love" and how life is like a well-thumbed machine. The singer is implying that he wants more than just dancing, but he is limited by societal norms and expectations.


One interpretation of the song is that it's about Bowie coming to terms with his sexuality and trying to express himself in a world where homosexuality was still very much taboo. The singer of the song is torn between his desire for physical intimacy with another man and the fear of being judged and rejected by a society that doesn't accept him. The chorus, "John, I'm only dancing," is a defense mechanism, a way to deflect suspicion and preserve his image. Bowie himself later said that the song was "a kind of throwaway" and that he didn't put much thought into the lyrics. However, the song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Bowie's talent for creating catchy pop hooks with deeper meanings.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, Annie's pretty neat, she always eats her meat
Annie is a nice and well-behaved person who is not picky about what she eats


Joe is awful strong, bet your life he's putting us on
Joe is extremely strong and seems to be playing a joke on us


Oh lordy, oh lordy, you know I need some loving
I am feeling very lonely and in need of affection


Oh move me, touch me
I am desiring physical contact and intimacy


John, I'm only dancing
I am only dancing and not engaging in any inappropriate behavior


She turns me on, but I'm only dancing
Although I am attracted to her, I am only dancing and not acting on my feelings


She turns me on, don't get me wrong
I am acknowledging my attraction but also clarifying that I am not doing anything about it


Oh shadow love was quick and clean, life's a well-thumbed machine
My previous romantic relationship was brief but passionate, and life feels routine and monotonous


I saw you watching from the stairs, you're everyone that ever cared
I noticed you watching me from afar and it reminded me of everyone who has ever cared about me


Dancing
I am enjoying the act of dancing and the freedom it brings


Won't someone dance with me?
I am inviting someone to join me in the joy of dancing


Touch me, ohh
I am still yearning for physical touch and closeness




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

James Guy

A Splendid performance from
Our Mr David Bowie . . .
Taken from us Long before his time. .
Gone but Never forgotten
R.i.P David
The Legacy you Left,
Never will be Lost,
We’ll Keep the Flame Bright Whatever the cost,
Now you have joined the greats in a better place,
On our Lives is an indelible trace .

i think of you when i Hear those songs.
Thinking of a better future that we all Long for. . .



All comments from YouTube:

Theresa Pierce

One of the most beautiful creatures to ever bless the earth, the one and only David Bowie. RIP Ziggy Stardust

dickbagger

✨✨⭐

ian thompson

Sometimes 🤣🤣

alla rumi

Amen 💜

Lit Romney 🌈

He's just a starman now

Freecloud

Amazing how this track sounds even better now than it did 50 years ago ! Like so many of Bowie's songs, they haven't aged at all...in fact, they still sound daring and original. What a genius he was.

Andrew McBrinn

One of the great underrated tracks of all time. This, Lady Stardust and Ziggy Stardust are the 3 that sum up the Ziggy era.

ShaggyDog

Velvet Goldmine has to be in there as well.

Nicolas H

Suffragette City?

Julian Coquelet

ShaggyDog Moonage Dream: am I a joke to you?

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